Pátmos, The Harbor, Skala

At most every cruise ship stop, the they try to have us pay for a spot on a tour, to places of interest to them. We are experienced travelers, and we know how to get around on our own. Even if we miss some things the people on the tour get to see, when we discuss our adventures, we have usually seen more places of interest to us, and we didn’t have to spend our time waiting for the tour bus. On many tours, the bus just “happens” to stop at a tourist store that will give a kick-back to the tour guide and driver!

On the Isle of Patmos, St. John's Monastery stands atop the island, with the harbor, Skala, and the Aegean Sea far below. The Monastery was built like a fortress and served as one for the Greek Orthodox monks who safeguarded the facility and its holy relics from would-be attackers. The Monastery contains icons, sacred vessels, embroideries and other priceless objects, and its library houses parchment documents, patriarchal seals, illuminated manuscripts and rare old books.